a country in central Africa, on the equator. In early 1960 Belgian and Congolese leaders moved closer to agreement on a future independent Congorepublic, but continuing dissension and tribal unrest in the Congocast serious doubts on itsability to manage its own affairs. Finally, Belgium granted independence to the Congo in June 1960; however, independence seemed to intensify the disintegration of the Congo as rival tribes and factions continued to fight each other. The country's name was changed to Zaire in 1971. —3rd South African published appr gls (14.4.92)